Bird Guide

Crimson-breasted Shrike vs Tropical Boubou

Crimson-breasted Shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus)

Crimson-breasted Shrike

Laniarius atrococcineus

Small49 gWoodland

The sexes have the same colouration and are indistinguishable from each other. The upper parts, including the wings and tail, are black, the wings having a broad white bar. The underparts are vivid scarlet. A yellow-breasted form is occasionally seen, and was at first thought to be a separate species. Young birds have a mottled and barred buff-brown appearance with a pale bill.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: le0p0ld_d · CC BY 4.0
Tropical Boubou (Laniarius major)

Tropical Boubou

Laniarius major

49 gWoodland

The tropical boubou is fairly large for its family (bushshrikes), measuring 23–25 cm in length. Its weight can vary between about 38-70 g, but typically adults weigh between 50 and 60 g. Females are on average a bit smaller than males, but individual variation is so large that for most practical purposes the sexes seem to be of identical size. The wing measures about 98 mm on average (between 85 and 110), the tail is a mere two millimetres longer both on average and as regards variation. Voice: This species is heard more often than seen, but its calls often help to locate it visually. To vocalize they move higher off the ground than during their usual activities, and may perch on an exposed site. They also nod their head and bow their body when calling, making them even conspicuous sometimes.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Tropical Boubou
Recorded by Anne Ndung'u · Song · Nakuru County, Kenya · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Sri Srikumar · CC0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Crimson-breasted Shrike and Tropical Boubou.